sudden CV failure?

[Keith Lawyer]

Other nite I was waiting to make a left turn, went to
"shoot the gap" and pulled the idiotic move of
realizing I was not in gear.  As the gap was rapidly
closing, I slammed it in first and went.  The turn was
short, simple 90 degree turn, and I didnt' take it
THAT fast, still had plenty of time to be safe.
  While turning the steering wheel jerked twice, I
didn't think much of it as that's not so uncommon for
this car (at least one "tie rod" is thrashed and the
tires are old, bald, unevenly worn).
  Anyway, next turn I made I had severe clicking from
my left front CV.  I just find this kinda odd as I've
always heard lite clicking that comes on gradually
when the joints get dry.  
  I did look under there and the boot is indeed split
in two (tells you how often I'm under the car).
  Patient is an '81 4k w/the 1.7l.  I guess I have two
questions: 1) has anyone else experienced this where
the joint makes no audible complaints to sudden LOUD
clicking?  2) will a shaft assy from an '86 4kq work
in my '81 4k?  I'm guessing not. . . 

Thanx,
Keith L.

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